Does the "E" string really sound better on a 4-string?

This is something that Paul Turner mentioned in an interview and considering I only have 5-string instruments, I'm wondering if I'm missing anything by not playing 4-string basses. What do you all think?

This is something that Paul Turner mentioned in an interview and considering I only have 5-string instruments, I'm wondering if I'm missing anything by not playing 4-string basses. What do you all think?

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I'd wager that probably falls into the realm of "stuff only Paul Turner notices", and file it just alongside Stu Hamm's "I switch my pickguards because they give me different sound".

It's going to depend on the bass you play. I have noticed on Spector's, Stingray's, and Fenders - the 4 string model usually sounds different than the 5 string above it. The 5s have more oomph in the 30-150hz category (or something similar) when compared to the 4 string model directly below it. I feel 4 string basses have a different sounding E string when compared to the same model 5 string. 5s usually contain bigger bodies, a different neck, and different pickups. It is not an even playing ground. However, this is mostly what I hear on stage, in practice, in person and so on. Once you get the band mix together, start recording, adding EQ/effects, the differences will likely not be heard.

Are 4 strings better with the E string? Its all in your head man! Play what sounds good to you.

Don't know if it sounds better, but I can tell you that a lot of the 5'ers I've played have had E strings with less tension than their 4-string counterparts. Some people prefer that, I kind of like tighter tension on mine. Totally personal preference though.

Don't know if it sounds better, but I can tell you that a lot of the 5'ers I've played have had E strings with less tension than their 4-string counterparts. Some people prefer that, I kind of like tighter tension on mine. Totally personal preference though.

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This is literally impossible. For a given string at a given length, tension is constant when tuned to a given frequency.

This is something that Paul Turner mentioned in an interview and considering I only have 5-string instruments, I'm wondering if I'm missing anything by not playing 4-string basses. What do you all think?

Click to expand...

I routinely vacillate between four- and five-string electric basses. 34" to 35" scale. I am equally adept on both and sensitive to any minor variances between them.

IME, there is nothing to indicate that the E is weaker on my fivers, or any significant difference for that matter.

On a well-made, properly set-up five-string, I'm having trouble imagining why this would ever be the case.

One thing I know is that Paul Turner is by no means "anti 5-string". He's got at least four 5-string basses that I know of, and is soon getting another, after me, and one more of his bass playing friends, recommended the same bass to him unbeknownst to each other. Having said that, I vaguely recall that interview. Will have to ask and maybe suggest a blind test

I would love to know what model bass that Paul used to compare an exact matching 4 and 5 string when coming up with the ridiculous statement. Because without comparing apples to apples how can he even claim this?

I think scale length makes a difference in timbre. I love what a 35" scale does for my B string, but prefer how 34" scale E-G sounds, especially open notes. Not a huge difference, but I always seem to notice it.

Different strokes, some players prefer 30", 32", 33", etc basses. I think these preferences are at least partly due to a fundamental difference in sound caused by scale length.